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The Marion County Health Department has been notified Sunday afternoon of two Marion County residents who tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

One individual, a female in her 40s, is doing well and is at home on isolation. The other individual, a female in her 80s, is in ICU at a hospital. No additional information will be released about the two cases due to privacy issues.

Public health officials have begun an investigation of both of these cases, speaking with individuals who they may have come into contact with before this diagnosis. Through this investigation, public health may place other individuals on home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure. Such individuals may not be symptomatic but are quarantined for a period of time which allows symptoms to develop and pass, without posing risk to others. If you are contacted by public health officials, please respond promptly.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen dramatically over the past week.

The health department expects more cases to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing. The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying home when you are ill.

COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common respiratory diseases. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for further guidance. In addition, St, Mary’s Hospital (SSM) has established a free virtual COVID-19 evaluation at www.ssmhealth.com.

Marion County Health Department Administrator Melissa Mallow says 51 tests have now been completed in Marion County. In addition to the two positive cases, there have been 46 negative cases. Three other cases are still pending.

The public is asked to follow and share trusted sources of information on COVID-19. The spread of incorrect information during disease outbreaks can lead people to take actions that may not be beneficial to their own health or the health of others. Follow the CDC, IDPH and MCHD websites and social media accounts for such trusted information.

This story has been updated to include testing numbers to date in Marion County.